2011 University of California Merced and Berkeley | Yosemite Field Station

adventure risk challenge a leadership and literacy program 2011 University of California Merced and Berkeley | Yosemite Field Station

Writings of the Mighty Marmots Annie Hernandez Bao Huynh Benjamin Meza-Lemus Brenda Cardoza Instructors: Charly Mijares Alyssa Martin Huy Dao Andres Estrada JiaJia Yu Colin Carpenter Marcela Avina Sarah Cupery Ottley Oscar Avina Scott Cushman Xiong Vue www.arcprogram.org Yessenia Holguin annie hernandez

I Am An Eagle

Flying away from my family I’m an eagle Doesn’t break me Fighting for what I want It makes me stronger The only chance of going to college Leaving mom in the heat of Tijuana Depends on me Two beautiful little sisters Flying from one place to another Saddens me but gives me strength From Mexico to U.S. I know they’ll be okay Moving from green to smoggy The man up there will protect them Moving from light to dark My nest changed I’m an eagle But I’m still the same eagle Intelligent Always learning how to be patient Looking for the best For the people I love

Fighting and never afraid Always strong and brave I’m an eagle

Younger siblings depend on me One playing video games The other playing Buzz Light Year Missing my mom and my sisters The little ones need a model Trying to get them a better life Someone who teaches them how to fly Trying to make them proud Sacrificing myself My parents can get tired sometimes Because that’s how I have to be Step-mom and Dad always working Strong Dad laboring in a market I’m an eagle Smelling like onions when he comes home Doesn’t have time to protect us all the time Doing what I think is right But we are strong My head, always up I’ve taught the chicks to be eagles Looking at the horizon Searching for my dreams I’m an eagle Always showing the young ones Never forgetting who I am How to be brave, to listen Never forgetting where I’m from To be responsible and to be strong Helpful to my family Caring for the people I love Courageous, Courageous like an eagle Aggressive when I want something Lack of funds and oppressive people Patient to my little siblings Can’t hold me back from reaching my goals Strong in my beliefs Working will be hard but I know I can do it Proud of being Mexican People will be jealous and rude Intelligent, brave, fearless and courageous But I know I can face them I’m an eagle

2 ARC Summer 2011 Knowing Myself Better Before becoming the Ana I am now I was diversity. Backpacking out in the wild took be honest were the most difficult and the the kind of girl who didn’t really know me away from the world where all your sur- most helpful at the same time. I cried when about nature and the beautiful things that roundings are buildings, cars and annoying talking about the challenges that I faced as a exist out there. I didn’t like trying to learn people. Nature gives me tranquility that I child and, instead of feeling ashamed; I felt new things. When there were problems at will never find anywhere else. All these fea- good to know that my group supported me home I would ignore them and be alone in tures made me respect nature, become more and understood my story. Giving feedback my world where the coolest things to do responsible with the things I do to it, and to the leader of the day every night helped were to text and hang out with my friends. think about the beautiful life that it guards. me to not dread telling people how I feel I feared expressing my feelings. Cell phone, I’ve always cared about the environment about them, and to encourage them to make computer, clothes, shoes, make-up and and tried to encourage my community to be a change in their attitude to turn into a bet- friends were the only things that mattered conscientious about what’s happening in the ter leader. I don’t just say “thanks, I love you to me. Everything started changing when world. I saw wildlife with my own eyes. And too” anymore; now I can go to a person and Summer Search accepted me in its program. now, more than before, I will do anything I tell them how important they are in my life They helped me find Adventure Risk Chal- can to maintain and protect it. and how glad I feel to have them with me. lenge (ARC), an amazing course where I’ve grown and become more independent. Rock-climbing was the hardest and most Surviving by myself for twenty-four hours transformational moment for me during in the wilderness solo helped me to get to When I first heard of ARC they told me ARC. I’m scared of heights and whenever know myself better. I thought about all the the program requires backpacking for seven I started climbing I felt my legs shake and things I’ve done in the past and reflected days without taking a shower. I thought, my heart beat faster. My group always sup- about things I could change about myself “Whoa! This program must be really cool ported me, and gave me confidence to be to grow to be a better human. I’ve made a and difficult.”I felt excited and nervous able to trust myself and be stronger. I felt lot of mistakes and there’s no time to fix every time I thought of ARC. Finally the proud and scared at the same time. I still them now but I know I can prevent those time arrived and I was ready to put myself can’t believe I climbed that fifty-foot rock. mistakes from happening again. I care about in a place where I had never been before. Even though I felt petrified I showed my- my family a lot, but I didn’t pay attention I wanted to experience new things and get self I could do anything I wanted to, I just to them in the past. I’ve told them things to know myself better, so I said goodbye to needed determination. That day I became I wish I never had said. I’ve hurt them so my computer, my cell phone and my friends, braver and more positive about myself and much and I think the time has finally come and I turned around and left. I worried the strength I have, physically and mentally. to tell them how much I love them and ap- about getting sick or hurt. I knew only Huy, I learned that everybody can face their fears; preciate all the things they’ve done for me. another Summer Search student, and we we just have to be courageous, strong and We might have some problems sometimes didn’t talk as much as we do now. We met confident in ourselves. and argue, but I will always love them and two other Summer Searchers when we got be there for them whenever they need me. on the train. When we all arrived in Merced Doing my solo in the middle of the Sierra we met Sarah, the Program Director, for the Nevada, lonely and homesick, made me re- first time. Every second I spent out of my alize I had grown and recognize the changes house made me realize that I couldn’t go I had made. back. After meeting Sarah, the time arrived to be face to face with my new group-mates, Ana Hernandez, a girl that can tell someone the ones who became my family over time. how much they mean in her life, the girl that They taught me how to work as a group was afraid of heights but climbed rocks, a and helped me change and develop into the person who appreciated clothes and now person I am now. appreciates family--that’s me. I feel proud of myself, and every challenge I’ve over- Our first backpacking expedition, the first come has made me change. I did things I of many challenges, transformed me. Living Before ARC, I had a hard time showing never thought I could be able to do. I feel outside of the city and hiking in the back- love to people and expressing my feel- thankful to my group and my instructors, country for seven days without showering ings. My best friend would always tell me my second family. I never imagined strang- and brushing my hair everyday made me how much she appreciated me and how ers becoming my brothers and sisters. Now, appreciate the things I have at home. Exist- much she loved me, and most of the time I have a new family and I know I can count ing without electronics for a while didn’t kill I responded, “Thanks, I love you too.” I on them whenever I need help. That’s what me; instead, I had more time to pay atten- never liked to say how I felt or talk about being in ARC IS like. I learned that even if tion to the people around me and the beau- my problems. I reserved my thoughts and I’m scared I can keep going. I will always ty of the mountains. I gave myself a chance feelings to myself and I never thought remember the good times I had with these to not be afraid of interacting with other other people experienced the same prob- people (Mighty Marmots) and I will always people or doing something new. I learned to lems as me. ARC helped me become more stay the person I am now by always having respect nature and its magnificent waterfalls, open and talk about my life. The activities in mind the four core values: Determina- mountains, plants, animals, weather and in Leadership class where we needed to tion, Integrity, Compassion and Service.

ARC Summer 2011 3 Bao huynh Something Right

I couldn’t sleep My eyes were closed and I still was thinking I felt my life had no way The wind mixed with the storm in my mind It was a freeway Dangerous, it blew everything Turn left, turn right, go straight Never had a stop light I felt uncomfortable and useless I was lost in the forest with no compass I made mistakes and bad situation worse I felt tired and terrible I faced my opponents Like snow melting to a flood Gangsters intimidating with knives Teachers hitting us everywhere I always asked how to survive I was scared and afraid How to support challenges and accept hurt My body was trembling ‘Cause I knew I was weak I had no way out Inside and outside I faced the trail Always in a safe place Couldn’t see the top In my family circle Where the sky and mountain meet. I faced life My family and I against the world No food to eat No money for school.

Time to change!

I believed in my strengths Only one way to move forward I am part of nature: A big tree, Standing tall and defending my ground. A waterfall, Stopped by nothing The sky, Changing everyday Every morning starts a new day Fix problems that you made yesterday Finish work that you’re not done with yet A lupine flower blooms It is a chance to learn new things Improve yourself day by day

There’s no reason to be afraid. Live for family, friends and me I’m on the right track, like a trail Leading to the top of the mountain And I know, I’m doing something right.

4 ARC Summer 2011 me right now, what can I do?” my mind just Smiling, My Son keep saying. I knew my dad never wanted me “How was school today, son?” my dad asked I couldn’t see the point in learning to solve to give up easily. I realized that if I always me when he picked me up after elementary useless problems. I didn’t enjoy talking with needed their help, I would never grow up, school. “Daddy, I got 10 points today! Yah.” my friends and especially strangers. I heard stand tall on my feet and control myself. I I said proudly and didn’t forget to give him a my classmates say: “Why did he never smile remembered my dad solved his problems by big smiling too. “Good job, my son. This is a with us.” I just silently walked away from trying again until he made it work. He always reward for you.” He gave me a big smile with them. I did smile, but just only for myself. I tried to think about new solutions, thinking popcorn that I really liked to eat. I loved to didn’t know how to build good relationships. outside of the box. Luckily, I had support see my dad making popcorn and selling it to Nobody understood me and they didn’t get from my friends and instructors. I paid at- people when they walked by. I smiled when me when I said something. I didn’t care about tention at every step I made because I didn’t somebody bought his popcorn. I still can what they did or thought about me. I was want to fall. Higher and higher I climbed. I remember the taste of the popcorn he made. independent and did things I wanted. After felt more comfortable steeping forward and That was one of the beautiful memories of participating in the ARC program, I had to climbing up to the top . I made it – that was my life. Everything started to change when I change to become a leader. The leader of the awesome. After rock climbing, I learned how grew up. I didn’t want to go to school and I day gave me a chance to push myself, doing to relax, feel free and fearless when facing played games all day long, hung out with my things I haven’t done before and learning challenges. friends and got home late. I went to school about the importance of communication with hopeless and fearful. I couldn’t find the hap- other people. My father also has qualities of a One day on the hiking trip, me and two piness in life anymore. I didn’t smile with strong leader such as listening, watching and other friends had a conversation about my friends anymore. I didn’t even think that building good relationships with his friends Japan, a beautiful country in the world. We I could find the smile of 10 years ago when – who do different jobs and can support realized that we all want to travel to Japan I was a funny kid until I participated in the him in different ways. He knows how to get someday. We made a promise that we will ARC program. people’s attention and trust him. I learned travel to Japan together after we graduate a lot of skills from him even if I didn’t use from high school. One night, we made a I joined the Adventure, Risk and Challenge them much before. I realize now that it’s not plan for how to save money and reach our program with support from my family, my just learning that’s important. It’s what you goal. We felt excited about that future. After teachers and my mentors at Summer Search. do with what you that day, I thought more I couldn’t have imagined how ARC would learn that matters. about my future too. When change my personality during the 40 days Being a leader I finish the 40-day ARC course. Backpacking in the forest 7 days with gave me a chance program, I will come home my teammates was the first and one of the to practice what and make a daily schedule biggest challenges we overcame together I learned and and set goals for my future. this summer. Before ARC, my family always improve my skills. Although I know it may be called me a lazy boy. I didn’t want to go to My teammates hard to do, I will try my anywhere except stay at home playing games at ARC were best to reach my goals. The with my friends. I didn’t want to learn new life friendly, helpful first thing I want to do is skills, and I didn’t know how to build good and supported improve my health. I want relationships with other people. I wasted my me a lot. I felt to be stronger. I’ll push time. I wanted to change how I lived but I comfortable when myself to wake up at 6:15 couldn’t get myself to do it. During this time, I talked to them in the morning and try to I thought about my father. He was the person and my English run around the lake near that affected me the most. He is knowledge- improved. I talked my house. I’ll try to be able and a strong man. He has a lot of experi- more, not scared more helpful and become ence and he can do everything by himself. to share my ideas a good family member: He wanted his sons to have a good future with the group. clean up my house, dishes, so he pushed us every day to grow up, learn I learned how to cook meals for family and new things and be stronger. He believed that become a strong wash car with my brother. education is the best way for us to have a bet- leader that can support my teammates, help I’ll try not to turn back to the “old” me ter life. He did everything for us to make sure them when they need help, get people’s atten- from before. The second thing is I want to that we had a good environment to study and tion and remind them to follow the schedule. improve my English skills to prepare for my be good students. But all I did was play games I learned to build good relationships and they future. I’ll practice speaking English with my and I didn’t care about school. He felt sad could trust me. The most important thing that sister and brother. I will try to read books, a and disappointed in me. He became serious I learned was put myself in other people’s few pages per day, and write essays. Listen- and got mad easily. Inside of my father, he shoes. I tried to understand other’s feelings. ing to music is also a good way to improve loved us and forgave all the mistakes I made. We worked together to become a stronger my English. The third thing I want to do is Before I got on the train to Merced to join the team. We became a big family. communicate with other people. I’ll apply ARC program, me and my father just stood to become a volunteer at Oakland public li- together silently. I could feel things he wanted I always asked myself how to deal with brary to meet new people and do community to say to me in his eyes, “go ahead my son, challenges and accept hurt. Living in a new service. My commitment is make a plan for make me proud.” Based on the four values of environment without support from my family future after I finish high school. ARC can ARC, determination, compassion, integrity made me scared and afraid to do difficult support me by checking on me every week and service, I trained myself to be positive. I things. I just wanted to hide and forget about like summer search does with me. I can also learned how to take care of myself, organize trying. Now I have an answer for my question: write a letter for ARC after I’m back home my stuff and be responsible. “Face the challenges.” The answer is very easy for few months to see my improvement and but hard to do. Rock climbing was a challenge if I’m still pushing myself to grow up. It’s Leadership was another big challenge for a where I had to face fears. At the beginning, I hard to change my values to be positive in a person who didn’t like to talk much like me. couldn’t find good spots to step and hang on short time. But I believe that I can do it and I remembered when I went to school in Viet- to. I got stuck on the rock for a few minutes. I will try my best to reach my goals. Just like nam. Nothing really interested me at school. “My father and my family are not here with my father says: “Smiling, my son.”

ARC Summer 2011 5 benjamin meza-lemus Making My Dreams Come True

I am an Aspen Tree Growing quickly and extending my roots. No matter how far apart we will be when I’m in college Our roots will be strongly connected. We always lived in a united world Graduating will not be the end. Where our roots were connected. We will both work to make a big ranch All slept in a small room Surrounded by animals and nature. I shared a bunk bed with my brother Salvador, A place of happiness for new aspen tress to grow And my dad and my mom shared a queen bed. And for new dreams to come true. We had a leaky red clay tile roof That always smelled damp, Like dirt after the rain.

Then our roots got strained. My dad packed his bag with some shirts and pants. He took an apple and an orange, Put them in his pocket, said goodbye and left to go work in the U.S. That was the moment where the sadness started, Where all my leaves turned gray.

I used to face the same challenge everyday Being away from my dad. I heard the wind sing the song “como mi papa”, It taught me to stay positive. No matter what the problem was I had to extend my roots. I patiently waited for my dream to come true, And felt happy that one day we were going to be together.

My leaves changed into a new color They turned green meaning new life. My dad reached his branches out to me No matter how bad the weather was I knew he would be there to support me.

Reunited with my father The weather started to change Into a new sunny day All I needed was to be positive.

Now we live like a strong family. My family is all around me. Hearing my dad say that he feels proud of me I know that he wants the best for me. We’re both looking for a better future. I will try to attend college and make our dream come true.

6 ARC Summer 2011 The Other Me This summer I think my values have changed but in ARC I have learned that if I do it good place, make the knots, make sure that a lot. I have become a better person by being the right way it might take longer but it will the pole doesn’t move and is always straight, more determined and living with integrity. be easier to do next time. When I wash the and to tie the rope corners at an angle of I also have learned and experienced activi- dishes in basecamp we go through a process: forty-five degrees. Packing a backpack also ties that I think I never will experience at wash, rinse, dry, and put them in the right looks really simple, and people could say that home. Taking on challenges like writing a place; but in my house I used to clean them it is like packing a duffle bag, but it’s nothing poem, completing a ropes course and spend- and then just leave them on the counter and like that. In this backpack I needed to pack ing 24-hours alone in the wilderness has go to play. But sometimes going away to play clothes, aqua socks, group gear, and a bear strengthened my character. will affect others negatively. For instance canister with food - and I needed to pack it correctly, because if I didn’t I would feel Another way I grew this summer was like it weighed more than it actually did learning science, English, and leader- and I could end up more sore than my ship. In every single one of those classes teammates. Learning these things made I improved my knowledge. In English I me understand that things aren’t always as had to learn how to classify past, present, easy as they look. I also have learned how and future tense in an essay. I have learned to rock climb, kayak, rappel, whitewater to use strong verbs, and I have improved raft, and how to do a Tyrolean traverse. my English skills. In my science class I In all of those adventure sports I learned have learn about watersheds, agriculture, new ways of communication, how to dams, and wetlands. In all of those topics support others, and how to work together I learned how the planet is affected. For as a team. example, one interesting fact is that the majority of drinkable water on Earth is To make sure that the meanings of these used for agriculture, and this can have values don’t change for the rest of my life major impacts on ecosystems. I will always remember my teammates and their hard work – they also showed Before this summer, I thought the word a lot of determination. I also will think determination meant simply trying. During about how they told me to never give these forty days I learned that this word up and always keep going. To make sure is a really important core value. Now I that I don’t go back to the old me I will see that being determined is trying my remember that my family is always there hardest in what I’m doing, and doing my to support me and that they want me to best. ARC has showed me that I’m capable be a better person. I know that my family of doing things I never thought I could will not let me go back to the old, lazy me, do before, such as writing a poem that who cared only about himself. I will use doesn’t rhyme and compares my life with my new integrity to keep doing the right the life of a tree. I also never imagined that I on my solo day when I spent twenty-four thing everywhere I go. My ARC family of could talk to a stranger and ask him ques- hours by myself in the wilderness, I showed teammates, the Mighty Marmots, has sup- tions about his life. It was one of the best integrity to the instructors and to the group ported me too. They have taught me that a experiences of the course, but it took a lot by staying in the same place. I didn’t move family is not only one that is connected by of determination because I usually don’t or do something I was not supposed to do, blood and love. My ARC family has taught talk to strangers. At the ropes course later even though it was really tempting for me. me that a family can also be made out of a in the summer, I jumped off a 25-foot-tall Around my solo spot there were many cool strong friendship. They have cried with me, wobbly telephone pole. All of those experi- places I could go and check out, but the they have sung with me, they have laughed ences could look easy to other people, but instructors said that if they came to check on with me, and they have been with me in the they weren’t easy for me. I did my best and I me and I wasn’t there they would cancel the best days of the forty days. These forty days never said “I can’t do this.” The instructors whole day for everybody I would have ru- I have seen that through every experience said that everything in ARC was optional ined the solo for the rest of my teammates. I we grew a little bit more, and we did it all and that I could tell them if I wanted to go knew leaving my spot wasn’t the right thing together, now we feel more confident and home. When I got letters from my family to do for me or the group. we trust each other more. After this program and felt homesick I wanted to leave to be I will miss all of my teammates, their hap- with my loved ones, but I decided to stay in In these forty days I have learned and piness, their hard work, and the encourage- the program. experienced things that I never would be ment that they gave me. I will remember all able to learn and do at home. One of them of them like brothers and sisters. I will also This program has shown me the meaning of was to set up a shelter, which was one of laugh about those moments that changed all integrity: to do the right thing even when no the easiest and hardest things for me at the of us to be better people. This is my second one is looking, no matter what the situation same time. The easiest thing is to unfold best family and I would never trade it for is or how hard it’s going to be to accomplish. the shelter and use two poles or a tree to anything. Thanks Mighty Marmots, and At home I used to do things the easy way, support it. But the hardest part is to find a thank you ARC.

ARC Summer 2011 7 brenda cardoza

I Am An Ant

Ants are small and tough, Intelligent and hardworking just like me. No matter the challenge, I know I will persevere.

I have struggled in the past, Taking care of my little brother, changing him, feeding him, With no one to help me. Moving from Firebaugh to Oroloma and to Dos Palos High School was also difficult. From the excitement of the city, I was bored in the country and facing racism at school. I felt trapped and lonely, But I have persevered.

Whether it’s physically or mentally, Nothing can prohibit me. Always working hard, as an ant does, Overcoming obstacles everyday, pushing myself to do my best. My bother thinks he is the king ant, while I feel like a slave ant, Cleaning the house with no one to help me.

Always dreaming of succeeding at school so I can thrive, Become a doctor, and have a great future; If I accomplish this I would like travel the world. I am always dreaming of traveling to remarkable places, Especially to France, Italy, and China that have their own special features. I dream of smelling the garlic bread in Italy, Seeing the Eiffel tower in France, Eating Chinese food in China. I know I can accomplish this dream! Just as an ant is hardworking at overcoming obstacles, I will also persevere!

I can accomplish this dream if I keep studying hard Believing in myself and trusting others I have the ability to pass the test Like I have climbed up the challenging rock wall I am an adventurous ant who can accomplish anything.

8 ARC Summer 2011 A Big Decision

Have you ever experienced something My teammates kept cheering me on and The solo is an event during the third that has changed your life for the better they told me where to go and what rocks expedition, in the second half of the or worse? One of the best decisions I to grab. I used to think that I could do course, when you are alone for 24 have made in my life so far was coming everything myself but now I understand hours in the wilderness. ARC instruc- to ARC. Although it was difficult, the that I need the support of others, espe- tors asked us to stay in the same spot experience was worthwhile. Three activi- cially when I am afraid. so that we would have time to think ties that taught me to push myself for ourselves. During the solo I were backpacking, rock-climbing, and started to realize all of the won- doing a 24-hour solo. These events derful things I took for granted. helped me grow immensely as a bet- I reflected on my bed, shelter, ter person and appreciate the small warmth, my mom’s cooking, things. and other things that seemed like simple luxuries back home. Backpacking changed me in several I mostly missed my parents ways. It showed me that I can survive and my family. I used to value in nature and not be afraid. Dur- friends more than family but ing the cold nights I learned how to while journaling during my solo keep warm in just a sleeping bag. I I realized that friends come and learned how to go to the bathroom go. When I moved from Fire- in the woods, pack food in bear cans baugh to Dos Palos I hardly got and always do a sweep to make sure to see or talk to my old friends. that I left no trace. At first I was I realized that family stays with uncomfortable with digging a hole you no matter where you go or to go to the bathroom in the woods what you do. I am thankful that but then I discovered that the worst my parents try to give me what part was that ARC gave us a limited I want but sometimes they can’t amount of toilet paper to use so next due to lack of money. Still I ap- time I brought extra. You have to preciate the food, love, shelter be responsible on backpacking trips and warmth that they have because if you aren’t on schedule you always provided. I know I take may not reach your destination or, them for granted, but I will try if you do, you may arrive to camp my best to change even though late and eat your dinner in the dark. it is going to be challenging. While crossing creeks and logs we gave one another a hand and worked ARC has taught me to have a as a team. Before I came to ARC I used During the 40-day course we backpacked positive outlook on life and to appre- to think that all bugs, including spiders, a lot - almost 5 miles every single day ciate everything more. In order not would bite me. During the last back- when we were in the wilderness. It was to go back to the old me I will try to packing trip I found a spider under my difficult and I felt tired waking up so come to all the ARC weekend retreats sleeping pad and it didn’t bother me at early, packing my stuff and walking, to remind myself of all the things we all. But I am still afraid of bees! especially in the snow. When we hiked in did in ARC. I know that in the future the snow on the way to Ten Lakes Pass ARC will support me by giving me I learned that I can accomplish anything and had to turn around I could barely advice, helping me with college ap- with the support of my teammates. Rock feel my feet because they were so cold plications, having writing workshops, climbing on Fresno Dome helped me and wet. That night was the coldest night mentoring me when I do my commu- learn how to trust others. There was one of the 40 days. Before, I never valued nity service project. I consider myself time when I couldn’t find a rock to hold shelter and a place to get warm, but now fortunate to have attended the 40 day onto and I said “I can’t. I can’t do this.” I am grateful for my warm bed at home. course.

ARC Summer 2011 9 charly mijares Not A Second Thought

I started out as a rabbit, Absolutely no stopping. Just a thousand acres more. Fearful and small. “Dig a hole, drop the trunk in, Running from predators bury the trunk,” My boots were getting old; Pain, Pain, Pain. The only thoughts in my head. The soles worn to strips, Mule ears long gone, They liked to torment, Mesquite trunks, Dirt filled my boots. For they were huge. Thorny weeds. Either a bear, puma, or coyote; All exposed Both of my packs All were hungry for pain. Harsh labor. Work as hard as me. Some even harder The most common words: But all we feel is pain. Brown, Wetback, Short. The older the predator, The sun burns my eyes The harsher the word. My tongue hangs loose My paws are scarred I never fought back, Pain, Pain, Pain. For what could a rabbit do? Because all I felt was The puma’s blood-rich laughter Pain, Pain, Pain. Made me taste blood. The iron metal taste, One day, I saw some boots, Stopped me from howling. (Two old Justin Boots) I gathered my wits I knew that my boots proved, And slipped them on. The life of a working man. It was time to speak up again The boots were the best, Or never at all. Nobody messed with me; For who tangles with a rabbit One day, I realized that even though That wears cowboy boots? I was proud of working, I didn’t want to work in Over time, I became a coyote. The fields my whole life. I had friends, Humor, Blisters, I found a pair of Tony Lama Boots Outrageous fun. Calluses, They gave me the courage Ripped flesh, and knowledge I scavenged for food, All over my scrawny body. To walk out of the field As skinny as a twig To show the world But I still possessed hope All day long, the man that I became... As fat as a tree. I scurry through fields. The scorching sun and sweat Today, I’m almost there But someone who wears boots Burns my wounds. I’m proving the pumas wrong Works all day; Three years is all that determines Everyday I wore the boots, Bloody paws, If I accomplish that goal I worked hard, too. Ripped boots; and go beyond. Thorns as long as nails. Keep hoeing on,

10 ARC Summer 2011 Cowboy Up The sweltering, sizzling sun struck my back ameter. When I showed up, we had a talk. final event of the day. We were challenged like a whip but had no effect on me. It was That’s when I was really scared because I to jump off a telephone phone to a trapeze barely an hour from dawn, and already felt believed he was going to take me to camp. bar, which was about six feet from the pole. as if it was over a thousand degrees. I felt I told him that I had temptations that I had The jump off that bloody telephone pole back at home at Dos Palos, as if I was at a really tried hard to fight. I tried my best, has taught me to sticking to a goal and Saturday swim meet. The day was so great but I couldn’t take it anymore. He then said finishing it is better because turning back and hot, that the boulders gripped my skin he understood and that I could do better is either impossible or difficult. I looked at at touch. I wrote furiously in my journal, if I just fought temptation harder. Tempta- the pole and said to myself, “Hecka easy.” I to finish the task given to me and to reflect tion to leave my camp was mostly all I told scaled that pole in less than a half a minute, on the whole summer course. My water him, until I told him that I was afraid to be using only my arms up the rope ladder. was running low and Colin had just shown afraid the first day. After that day, I learned The challenge for me was not climbing it, up a half hour ago to fill my water bottles. that just saying what you feel is better than but dragging myself onto the platform on All I knew was that he wouldn’t return holding it all in, because then people won’t top of the pole. The platform was about a for a while, but I didn’t care much about understand you. I didn’t realize it that exact foot and a half long by a foot wide, scarcely my thirst. During these twenty-four hours day, because I didn’t know it until a week any room to climb onto. I didn’t realize alone, I reflected over the past course on later. I also learned that just doing what is that that was the hardest part of the whole how I have changed. right is right. You have to trust yourself thing. Like bull riding, the hardest part is that it’ll be worse off if you don’t do what getting on. Everything else just goes really The solo was an extraordinary experience is right. quick. I looked down, and realized that for me because of the challenge it gave turning back was pretty much impossible. me: staying in one spot for twenty-four Poetry has opened my mind more to But I also realized that I had come really far hours. The challenge was too great for me, English. I used to hate English because all as coming up onto the pole. I looked at the and I left my campsite three times. The that the teachers taught and showed me was trapeze bar and looked back down. It was temptation to leave camp and explore was how to write poetry straight onto paper. six feet in front of me, about a yard high. unbearable. On the first day of the solo, I ARC has taught me differently by asking us I knew I wasn’t going to reach the bar, but was flabbergasted about our I had to jump anyways. If I didn’t jump, I on how awesome emotions would regret it later. “It’s now or never,” I my area was: and then thought to myself. I took one last look at a flat dirt area asking us the ground and jumped off the platform. surrounded rock to write I was three inches from touching the bar, from the left and them on but I never reached it. Abruptly, I stopped right; a creek ran paper. short and hung in midair. I didn’t reach the silently by; and Sarah had bar, but I had tried my best. After the ropes three, forlorn tried for course, I thought about what had happened looking trees a year to that day. I realized that sticking to a goal huddled next to help me and following through with it is important the creek, as if with Eng- because feeling satisfaction is better than planning some lish, and regret. I also learned that the smallest chal- mischief. “The I slowly lenges can be harder than the noticeable best and farthest pro- challenges. solo spot ever,” gressed. was all I could When What I’m going to do back at home is think. But temp- I came practice what I accomplished and learned. tation to roam to the The solo expedition taught me that liv- came and shook summer ing with limits such as rules and limited me awake. I felt the urge to leave and ex- course here in Wawona, our first writing resources can be frustrating but good for plore more beyond the barrier of my camp. assignment was to write a poem about one’s character. My personality changed When I got back, I started to feel alone and our hardest challenge in life. “Oh boy,” that day dramatically; I used to not express vulnerable. I shook it away, not letting my I thought to myself. I was never good at myself, hiding my emotions from every- feelings take over me. Around dusk, I knew poetry, because our teachers never taught us body. Now I know that it is important to that my feelings had the better of me, and how to write it with emotion, only to write express myself more in order for people to I started to become frightened. I shook it it formally like a “business guy”. I remem- understand me. Not only that, but I learned away as well, by leaving spot and looking bered what Sarah and Alyssa had said about that writing poetry in English can be easier for basecamp. I was afraid to be afraid. emotion. I just wrote, and rewrote my if you just honestly express yourself on Of course, Scott and Colin saw me and poem, with loads of emotion. Sarah read the paper. At school, I’m going to have pa- moved me to my new spot. In the morning, over it, and she said that it’s the best she tience with my writing and take the time to I awoke in my new area, realizing that my had seen me write all year. She said I finally organize my thoughts and ideas on paper. original spot was way better off than the found my strong point in English. After she The ropes course taught me that everything new one. I had no shade until around noon, read it, I read it to myself, and I liked the isn’t always easy, that most things in life are when a little tree next to my pack shaded work I did. Poetry truly is my gateway to really hard. I will not reject any chance to a boulder. During that time, I left my new English. succeed. At home and at school, I’m going spot in search for some shade on the other to try to achieve all these lessons I learned. side of the boulder, where there was plenty Another challenge for me this summer was In order to be the best I can, I’m going to of shade. Colin came to my camp during at the ropes course. We swung like monkeys have to “cowboy up,” and live up to my that time, and saw that I wasn’t in my per- for about three hours in the trees until the new challenge.

ARC Summer 2011 11 huy dao

Breaking Through

I am a Great Grey owl My strength It stands for intelligence It is hard to see me Because I’m quiet I dig deep into lessons To solve problems.

Positivity Lives in me Sharing moments with my family And seeing their smiles My family came here With nothing in their hands But I believe we will navigate through the night.

The time came To separate me from Viet Nam I packed my nest to fly away To look for a better chance Like an owl adapted For a new warm season. My future will fly despite the dark

My parents’ sacrifice To take care of me They work to grow the family They gave up For me to step up. I try to live worthy Of their sacrifice Always work hard for a brighter future

With wisdom An owl can see through the dark And catch food to survive Quietly, I can hear everything Where I can take care of my family Openly, Teaching, passing all valuable things I listen to improve myself For the next future So they don’t get lost I chase after what I want And everything will get through the dark. A nice peaceful place I am a Great Grey Owl.

12 ARC Summer 2011 about commitment. By staying with my Big Step of My Life goal of walking on the rope that con- Before I came to ARC, I used to sleep I realized how many adventures I could nected from one point to another point, until noon, sit in front of my television, have in this summer with ARC. The most 30 feet above the ground, even though and hang out with friends during the sum- important part that I discovered about my- it made me feel sick, I accomplished mer. To me, those summer activities were self this summer was that I could practice my goal. To me, I will live my life with expected of a teenage boy. My parents new abilities and face my challenges. commitment and it will help me pass all had sacrificed their home back in Vietnam challenges that I have to face in the future. to create an opportunity for me to come At ARC, besides going out into the wilder- During the rope course, there were not any here. All I did for them over here was get ness, they also helped me improve my short cuts that allowed you to jump to the good grades and pass my classes. Besides English. My first challenge was writing end without passing other ropes. It made studying at school, and playing soccer, my poem. With the few English words I me realize that life is not easy and there hanging out with my friends was all I did. knew, there was no way that I was going are no short cuts to your success. The only Sometimes I forgot how hard my parents to be able to complete my poem. At that way to achieve your dream is to stay with were working to take care of the family. time, I was thinking about my family, and it. They always encourage me to have a better their sacrifices. Then new ideas began to future. I didn’t know I could be helpful form in my mind and helped me organize The Interview day and Open house was a to my parents because all I did was focus my thought for my poem. It reminded me setting to build my confidence. That day, on me. Then one day, my teacher gave of our lives back in my country, and my I had a great chance to interview Lindsey me a letter and nominated me to Summer grandfather who always took care of me. Prell. She works at Yosemite National Park Search program. Months later, Summer My poem is filled up with all my strengths with volunteers for resources management Search introduced me to ARC for a 40 and my goals for the future. In this poem, and science. I learned many valuable les- days course at Yosemite. At first, I refused I included and talked about my family and sons from her that day. I learned that when to go because I didn’t want to spend most my life. I cannot be more proud to read it I travel alone, I can discover more about of my summer away from my family and out loud. By writing a poem about them, I myself, and no matter where I go, I can friends. The main reason why I did not feel more appreciative of my family. still land on my feet. Lindsey also gave me want to come was because I didn’t want a lot of good advice that I will take home to miss my soccer tournament with my Through rock climbing and a ropes course, and make practice of them. I really ap- team. My mom thought this was a good I learned about commitment and trust. For preciated what she did for me, and I hope chance for me to travel to new places rock climbing, I had to trust my feet and I can see her again someday. On that day, and meet new people. After a few days my physical skill. Those were not the only I also learned to believe in myself. At the thinking about it, I decided Open House, I felt confident and proud to to give it a shot. On June read my poem out loud in front of about 14th, I packed my stuff, said 100 people. I found out that I feel good on goodbye to my family, got stage and that I am a good public speaker, on the train to Merced, and at least according to other people’s opin- prepared myself for 40 days ions. To me, these experiences really push alone. me to consider teaching later in my life.

The first few days, I was During the 40 day course with ARC, I so worried. I thought I had learned many valuable lessons. For exam- made a wrong decision to ple how to be a leader in my community, come to the 40-day course speak and write in English efficiently and because I had to fit in with I learned to appreciate nature. The best new people. One of the part of this experience is that I made new main reasons why I was friends. I am glad that I got to meet them afraid was because I had to this summer. We worked as a family and speak out to new people always got through challenges together. and my English was not very good. On the abilities that I had to trust, but I put my- From now on, the hardest challenge I have first days, I was thinking about my friends self into my teammate’s hands. They made to face in the future is saying goodbye back home and wondered what they are me feel safe, and I knew that I could count to them. They taught me that there is no doing. Then I started thinking about my on my team. When I was up in the air, I “I” in “TEAM” and if we stick together, family and it made me feel worse without was so nervous, but I knew I would be fine we will pass through difficult challenges. them. Then my thoughts started to change because my teammates were watching me. When I go back home, I’ll try to help my completely. After the first backpacking They were always ready to catch me with family and care more about people around trip, I discovered how much I love hiking. a belay rope. I realized that I can trust my me. For the future, my goal is to graduate There are many interesting views to see team and they are always watching out for from high school and then go to San Jose in the wilderness that I cannot see back me. I’m afraid of heights, so I thought that State University. I’m very committed to my in San Jose. After the second backpacking the rope course was not for me. I figured goal. With my commitment, I will do my trip, there was a rafting trip. This helped I’d never know how it feels unless I tried best and, thanks to Lindsey’s advice, I will me open my mind and learn new skill that it. Then I decided to step up and I passed achieve my goal. I never had the chance to learn before. the ropes. During that day, I also learned

ARC Summer 2011 13 jiajia yu

I Am A River

Summer is coming Barbecue fish and milk tea “NaiCha” River moves strongly, majestically, Tastes like hometown, Oh! Life in China Watery soup and hamburgers Busy life, never stopping. Tastes like this new city. I used to flow through crowded rocks Wake up in the morning But now they look sparse, Ride my bike to school, study until afternoon. I used to meet the same kind of rocks, Research science project, analyze poems, prepare for quiz, But now some look black, brown and white. Cooking and cleaning in the evening. Winter is coming Nature sleeps; river freezes into ice, I am learning English on my own Preparing for my future.

Construction sounds in China, always building Peaceful park near my house, Trees silent like nature in San Francisco Cheering fans at the baseball game.

Spring is coming Nature awakens; ice melts into bubbling water, I am flowing with my adopted home Oh! New life!

I am traveling in San Francisco with my friends Communicating with them genuinely in a fresh way. Laughing with them joyfully, Laughing with my exciting life!

Autumn is coming I hope I can continue to flow in the US River moves quietly, patiently, Achieving my dream to teach children I am walking on the street in San Francisco by myself Providing water to little plants, rocks and animals I curiously pace up and down. Sharing my life experiences with them!

14 ARC Summer 2011 more comfortable. When I felt cold, they The Real Me handed me a jacket. When I felt bored, I moved from China to San Francisco about Family and friends are more valuable to they tried very hard to make me laugh. We one and a half years ago. Luckily, I became me. During this summer, I cannot use the are connecting just like the dirt and trees. a student in a program called Summer Internet, my cell phone or Facebook. First Friendship overflows with help, care and Search. At the beginning of this summer, I thought not having this technology was laughter. They encourage me when I face Summer Search recommended that I par- terrible, but after going without them, they challenges. They support me when I make ticipate in Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC), seem less important to me. I know that we decisions. a 40-day program that combines academic can use technology in our life, but it is not and physical adventures. I felt nervous and necessary. Family is more important for me Before I came here, I thought challenges worried when I first heard this news. I was now than it was before. Before I came here, simply made my life more difficult and I the person who didn’t like exercise at all I lived with them, ate with them and talked tried to avoid them all the time. However, and did not speak English well. How can I with them. But now I cannot live with them the value of a challenge totally changed spend 40 days with strange students that I or talk to them! I felt uncomfortable and after the ropes course. Ropes course was don’t know and only speak English? How I miss them all the time! I thought that all one of the scariest experiences this sum- can a person who is scared of nature hike young people live with their parents. Now mer, but I am glad that I did it. Going in the wilderness? I felt more scared when I I understand that not everybody has the through the challenges of the ropes course asked myself these questions. However, my chance to live with their families. We should helped me find the real me. The most risky mentor from Summer part was the Perch. I Search and my family stood on the tiny wood strongly encouraged about 25 feet above me to join ARC. I the ground, closed my knew that coming to eyes, calmed my shak- ARC would be difficult ing legs and jumped and challenging for in the air, reaching out me, but I knew that in for the trapeze. At that my mind taking this moment, I realized I opportunity is better am not the weak girl than staying at home anymore. I found the and spending time real me, who is strong, on my computer. I confident and brave. I figured, “Maybe I can learned that if I face improve my English my challenges with and make more friends confidence, I will get during the course,” so to have many amaz- I decided to come to ing experiences that I ARC. In ARC, I found never thought about the real me. before.

The ARC course I have grown a lot in started with seven ARC this summer. I days backpacking in realized that nature is the wilderness. Since I not scary at all if I give was scared of nature my love to it. Family and never backpacked is very important and before, the first trip was a huge obstacle for remember every day, every second that we I will be grateful for them. I will appreciate me. I had to walk, sleep and lick the bowl are with our families, that we are lucky to all the things that they have done for me in the wilderness! The combination of all have them. Friends are very important for and spend more time with them. I cannot these was the most difficult experience me as well. They are part of my wonderful survive without friends; they are just like for me. At the beginning, I was scared of life. Not just the friends that I made before, water and I am the fish. I will continue to everything in the wilderness: trees, animals but also the friends from ARC. They are work hard and try to get a good score on and the night. By the second expedition, beginning to play an important role in the SAT in my junior year. I am determined I learned how to appreciate nature and I my life. My friends from ARC have to go to face all my challenges and glad that I started to get closer to the wilderness. I saw through many obstacles with me, for more have challenges to face because I grow a lot the little animals that try very hard to sur- than a month. We studied together, hiked from them. After I come back home from vive, like ants. I stood in front of a Jeffrey together and faced challenges together. ARC, I would like to travel to Africa and Pine tree which smells like vanilla. Suddenly, These challenges helped us to start to know volunteer there. I would like to try different I had an interest to learn about nature. I en- each other and care about each other, just food from different countries. I would like joy waking up to the songs of birds in the like a big family. ARC students combine the to hike in the mountains with my friends in morning. I enjoy falling asleep with millions role of friend and teacher. They taught me San Francisco. I want to do all these things of shimmering stars in the black sky. helpful knowledge. The first time I hiked, so that I can keep transforming myself and My values changed during this summer. they taught me how to make my backpack ensure I will not go back to the “old” me.

ARC Summer 2011 15 marcela avina

Becoming Marcela Porterella

Gently blowing in the wind While forcing a smile In a meadow vast and free Just to sit by their side With different grasses surrounding me And console for a while Withstanding the elements I embrace them sincerely Just like a wall I reach out my hand Feeling strong enough to face it all I remind them all That together we stand. Just when I thought I can take the heat I’m suddenly crushed by Tragedy’s feet So let’s become Porterella Losing my loved ones to natural disasters Let’s claim our ground Karina, Margarita Let us rejoice And the rest on my mind When the wind comes around Just going through phases life left me to find Let our stems grow stronger Superfluous sympathy is showered on me Our minds more profound While experiencing fire and ice Then let us explore I want to accept the help I receive The courage we’ve found. But none of it would suffice.

Haunted by memories Memories that never cease to exist I’m lonely and charred My heart is dark My mind is scarred

Grief-stricken by all of this turmoil Struck to the ground So I only breathe soil Fallen once more Flat on the ground But rising again without making a sound

Others have problems Other Porterella lay dying I witness my friends Uncontrollably crying I put my issues away Just to brighten their day I stretch out my roots

16 ARC Summer 2011 Once a Mighty Marmot, Always a Mighty Marmot

“40 days. 40 days. 40 days of my summer,” I What does determination even mean? I learned I discovered a way to see through fear and find thought as I stared out the car window, “Oh well. the definition by repeating 4 words continu- the strength to go on, as if I cultivated compas- I’ll have time to do my summer assignment.” I ously… “24 hours by myself.” The time for the sion for myself. I picked up compassion from reclined casually on the seat. June 14 had arrived 24 hour solo crept closer with every second. my second family. and I was on my way to a summer of outdoor ac- The very thought sent my heart into a frenzy tivities and freedom from everyday chores. I hon- and my lungs into hyperventilation. Although I encountered compassion through one of estly thought this summer wouldn’t be anything the instructors had given us detailed instruc- my worst fears. “We’ll all share what we wrote too special and that I wouldn’t find much except tions for that day and assured our safety, fear down.” Every muscle in my body tightened as for fun and new friendships. I mean, gaining con- somehow managed to stay lodged deep in my the words Alyssa, one of the instructors, had fidence, building strength, and having just spoken circled my head. Speaking my faith in myself? Why would those things thoughts out loud? The idea made little sense even cross my mind? I had no reason to to me. Nothing could possibly change my believe ARC would change me. After all, perspective. That is, until I heard the things the course would only last a little more everyone else had to say. I noticed many of than a month. How much could possibly my fellow group members shared feelings I happen in 40 days? Fortunately, I would caged in the depths of my mind. The first soon realize that I had never been so time I shared a personal story with the group wrong about anything in my life. I felt relieved when I finished reading. After a few minutes of consideration, I accepted that After being introduced to everyone, fact that I felt relaxed after sharing my feel- my adventure began with a week-long ings with others. I came to an agreement with backpacking trip. Although I detested myself to reveal my opinions regularly. Over backpacking, I decided I would need time, I developed a sense of compassion for the good practice for upcoming physical others. For every story they shared I could events. Unfortunately, my body failed imagine myself in their situation and make an me. We had been hiking uphill for about effort to comprehend their emotions. Even 3 hours in the blistering heat with our when their situation seems like an experience heavy backpacks when I felt a twisted I couldn’t possibly conceive, somehow I man- knot in my stomach. I tried to ignore the age to consider their feelings and their past. discomfort, but I felt worse and worse Although I had always been fairly supportive until the pain spread throughout every of my peers, I never quite felt benevolence so vein in my body. My muscles ached and profoundly before. Contrary to my expecta- cried, pleading with me to allow them tions, I embraced my newfound compassion. to rest. My temples pulsed, throbbing With this being said I finally grasped that my in agony as my eyes struggled to find summer was coming to an end. sanctuary from the sun’s fiery fingers. I needed a break but I couldn’t just stop. Before I experienced ARC, I assumed my I kept hiking until finally I just couldn’t summer would be filled with amusement, sun- keep up with the rest of the group. I felt burns, new friends, and summer assignments. small tears burn my eyes even more as Not once did I think about the opportunities I took a load off my feet. One of the instruc- veins. After arriving at my “spot” I opened my and experiences I would endure. Lucky for me, tors mixed my water with some sort of vitamin backpack and set up my camp according to how ARC proved me wrong. Throughout the whole powder. I felt shameful tears streak my face as my the group would normally set up camp. “Gear- summer I submitted myself to both physical fellow backpackers watched me drink and rest. age, bedroom, bathroom, check, check, check.” I and emotional challenges. My past experiences Everyone else looked a bit tired but otherwise en- went through everything on my mental list, one paved the road to better character and stronger ergetic and ready to go. I brooded in humiliation by one. All of a sudden misfortune appeared in confidence. With the help of ARC’s core values, as I realized the third day proved to be tougher the form of rain. I re-packed everything quickly my body grew stronger and my mind more than me. I hadn’t counted on showing helpless- as the sprinkles grew to heavier drops. As soon profound. With integrity, I managed to gain the ness so quickly. I hiked on with wounded pride, as everything settled safely in my pack, the rain confidence I needed in order to help out anyone trying to consider the possible outcomes for the decided to bid me farewell. I hesitated to set up who required my assistance. Through determi- next few days. The next day my buddy Sarah be- camp again but with a crushed spirit, I man- nation, I built physical and emotional strength. came terribly sick. She was feeble, cold, and in so aged to get everything unpacked once again. As Using compassion, I opened my heart and mind much pain. The entire group offered to carry her I lay on my sleeping bag I heard noises come toward expressing feelings. Pushing me past my things. Even with the sick feeling in my stomach from the darkness all around me. My heartbeat limits seemed to be the goal of every instruc- and the aches in my muscles, I still offered to accelerated as I attempted to convince myself to tor. I put in effort as much as I could yet room carry some of her possessions. With that turn of pay them no heed. I shuddered uncontrollably for improvement constantly surrounded me. events I realized I had the courage to step up in throughout the whole night. After a few hours This course encouraged me to be the very best order to help a friend. I kicked away the negative of hearing noises in the night I was greeted by I could and go beyond what I felt comfortable clouds to lend a hand to someone in more need warm rays of sunlight. I sat up and realized I with. Every aspect of me could use improve- than myself. The will to carry on surpassed the lasted the whole night, an accomplishment I ment, but at the same time I was good enough feeling of defeat. From that moment on, I truly achieved purely because determination willed just the way I was. ARC wasn’t here to change understood what integrity felt like. Helping some- me to pull through. At any given time I could me. It simply helped me improve on whatever one even when you’re the one in need never really have told the instructors “I want out! I quit! I’m I felt I needed to improve. Thanks to ARC, I’m stuck in my mind before as a value. An experience done!” I didn’t quite understand why I had been proud to say I endured the best summer experi- like this opens your eyes and allows you to take so determined to persevere in my solo since fear ence I could ever imagine. My only regret is not on other values, such as determination. had practically taken over my mind. Somehow realizing this from the start.

ARC Summer 2011 17 oscar avina Gray Fox

Walking wherever I want I’m always dodging danger Moving around Like people, cars and predators Not letting people see me Now I almost never travel alone I’m a gray, bashful fox My pack is very unique We complete each other I wasn’t the best guy at making friends Five will always protect me Just like a gray fox who encounters humans and flees I don’t like people touching me I leave the foothills to find a field with flat places Like scary violent short-tempered gangsters to play with my brother When they get close to me Showing discipline on a field I get scared and run Leading on the court Because I think they have a weapon I’m an athletic gray fox, avoiding injury The weapon scares me like the possibility of falling off a cliff Now that I have all this knowledge Afraid of humans I will run around the woods I hate being photographed Teaching my family about nature The light of the flash burns my eyes like the sun’s rays Talking about it at my school I know the world’s there; Telling my friends But I can’t see it until my vision returns Using all of my knowledge for my future and job I’m no longer a bashful, gray fox I got my independence by showing respect Now I am a strong, outgoing individual As a boy I was always alone Ready to go live my fun and athletic life the way I want it to be Proving that I’m trustworthy on the streets Letting my parents now that I can take care of myself Leaving my pack to find food in a camp site Like smart fox that always finds food and gets away with it

18 ARC Summer 2011 My New Life My life has changed since I’ve been here The solo backpacking trip taught me a lot of say “ARC has really changed my life and Gray Fox at ARC. The 40-day course has led me things. When I was alone and if I ate all my a little bit of my personality.” It changed to make good choices in life. The people food right away I would have starved for the my personality because I used to be mean in ARC care about me and about my next 24 hours. It showed me that I can sur- sometimes and not care about people. I had education. I have never done anything like vive on my own for at least 24 hours. I had a short temper but now I have learned how what ARC has challenged me to do. This a lot of time to write and a lot of time to to control it. program has given me a lot to think about think. It was the first time I was completely and made me go through some of the alone for 24 hours. After the 24 hours I What I value the most is getting to know hardest things. The hardest things I did felt very relaxed. My values did change this the other ARC students, creating friend- was carry a big pack for hiking, pull my summer because I really didn’t know I had ships, seeing the act of kindness, and physical weight across some ropes during any values before coming to ARC. ARC learning how to trust other people. Hiking rock climbing, and write a poem. The has made me ARC course is pretty hard because you express them have to commit to facing a lot of chal- by acting with lenges. Facing those challenges actually integrity. During makes you a better person. ARC is also a the solo I also fun educational course that a lot of people had to write a would enjoy. three page essay.

While backpacking you have to carry your Writing was al- own weight so that your teammates don’t ways a problem have to carry more than their share. I for me because show service by helping out the group if I was never a they need help with anything. If my team- good writer and mates backpack was too heavy I would I had trouble take some of the weight and put it in my making sense backpack. If I see trash on the ground with my writing. while backpacking I would pick it up and In the ARC take it to base camp so I can recycle the program the trash there. teachers chal- lenged me to Before coming to ARC I really didn’t care keep trying to improve my writing. Until this with those giant backpacks, weighing so much about recycling. After what ARC program, I was never forced to write much much that it hurts my back, made it so I has taught me about recycling I’m going in school and now that I have been writing didn’t enjoy that part as much. The four to help clean up my town. I don’t want for several weeks I have noticed that I’m a core values that I learned in ARC helped people to pass by Dos Palos and say it’s good writer. My teachers at ARC encour- me during backpacking. I will make sure a crappy town so I will try and clean up aged me to write a good poem by feeling my that I will continue pushing myself in the litter there. Recycling is good for the en- emotions and expressing them on paper. upcoming months and years by remem- vironment because trash gets burned and bering the 4 core values. I will use service, thrown into a landfill that pollutes the air. Compassion is when you’re kind and caring integrity, determination and compassion I will use integrity in my community when to everyone in the group. I would show in my community. I will make sure that I pick up trash. compassion, but not to everyone before I won’t go back to the old me because I got introduced to ARC. ARC taught me ARC is a lifelong lesson to me. I’ve done Cleaning the bathrooms or kitchen with- more about expressing compassion in my so many new things at ARC that I don’t out being asked is an example of integrity. life, to my friends, and mostly to my parents. remember the old me actually. Integrity is one of the core values in the Without my parents I wouldn’t have known program. I didn’t even know what that about compassion. After I graduate from ARC has really changed me. I’m nicer word meant until now. ARC I’m going to be more compassionate now, I don’t have a short temper and I to everyone. I will use compassion by being care more about people. ARC has given Rock climbing took courage because you nice to everyone in my community. I’m re- me a lot of support to help me in life. have to be willing to climb high off the ally glad ARC introduced us to the four core This summer when I go back home I ground and face your fear of heights. In values. These values will stay with me for don’t know if I’m going to stay the same football, my fear is getting hit so hard I get the rest of my life. Now I will get along with or am I going to go back to the way I was. concussion. Thanks to rock climbing, I’ve my coach and help out my team more. I will Also I will apply the four core values to learned how to face my fears and use my also be more understanding of other people. my everyday life. After ARC, I’m going to physical strength. The lessons I learned do everything I can to clean up my town, from ARC will help me at home because If some day I start to act out I’ll call and help people in need. I will help even I will try my hardest during all of football Charles, my interviewee, or talk to Sarah, the if I’m not asked, and will not get tired of practice, even when I am tired. After do- ARC director, on the phone or computer. my community, even if they always need ing the ropes course I feel tougher. ARC is something I can look back on and my help.

ARC Summer 2011 19 xiong vue

Bighorn Sheep

I’m am a very curious Bighorn sheep To work in the fields and save money And like to experience new things, To help out in the family Bighorn sheep wanders the hot, Dry, wet, rocky, and steep hills, Bighorns are powerful Surviving in the wilderness At running up steep hills, Can be very hard. I never give up and My parents have worked hard, I help them never give up also, Traveling thousands of miles The herd is always there for me, To give me and my brother shelter and food Encouraging me to reach higher, I’m always there to help them To go beyond their expectations, A Bighorn sheep is what I am A Bighorn sheep is what I am

When my parents are out, I’m intelligent and like to work hard, I had to look out for my little brother, Able to do things that I never have done before, The sky is dangerous and very harmful My dad encourage me to hunt for food Don’t really know when it’s When I don’t even know that if I can do it With their hard work they have done Choosing a safe area for the Herd to eat, And not be eaten; also just keep moving forward, A Bighorn sheep is what I am

To help the Herd patiently And keep them together, The pressure that I feel is To do good in school, And finish the chores at home My lungs don’t stop me From going to a higher altitude. That I have strength to protect me, But also my family is very important for me. I have to keep them alive Away from all the trouble.

My herd is from different mountains And here the culture is different Tigers or lions bullying and name-calling I keep going and keep climbing Going to be raining, cloudy, sunny, or thundering A better future is to start college in California A Bighorn Sheep is what I am Find a good job Support the family Some Bighorn sheep are very protective, Take the herd to the highest altitude Protecting themselves from predators, Have fresh air and a good view And protecting everyone in the Herd I am positive, brave and very strong As a Bighorn sheep I choose very wisely, A Bighorn sheep is what I am

20 ARC Summer 2011 The 40-day Challenge

Dang! Say what….40 days? I have never me want to help my family more, be risks we are taking for the future. That been away from home this long before nicer at home or anywhere else, and be was the first time I had to answer a and it was very challenging to leave my more responsible about my own stuff as question about my future and it was family and love ones behind for the I grow up to be an adult. Wherever my very hard. These challenges will make summer. When I came here I really liked family members go it’s my responsibility me write more in the future, by think- what ARC was doing and it got me inter- to make sure that they are going to a safe ing more about ideas or details for my ested. ARC has helped me to not be lazy place. I enjoyed hiking and kayaking and topic. at home and to do more chores. When learned how to do both, and when kaya- I’m at home I have no responsibility to king by yourself sometimes you have to Leading in the ARC program can be take care of myself but ARC made me be very careful and conscious. Wearing a very difficult when people or your more responsible. My writing overall did life jacket will protect you from drown- group won’t listen to you at all. The improve a lot by writing more and think- ing in the lake or river. I can use my new feedback I got back from those people ing more details in the ARC program. responsibility when my family and I go was to not play or horse around with This summer I changed my values a lot kayaking and fishing, making sure they other people and to keep reminding my- by pushing myself, appreciating my fam- are safe. Hiking can be very dangerous at self that I’m the leader of the day and ily, improving my English, and becoming times because you might not know where to keep everybody on time. I felt proud a good leader. you’re going. Responsibility like that can when I was able to lead my team to the be difficult sometimes but I will push top of the mountain near Ten Lakes This summer the ARC program pushed myself to be safe. Pass. I was challenged to speak more me hard and I have gotten way loudly so that I could com- farther than the old me. At home municate with the group. As I did push myself, but not as hard a leader I would check on the as when I’m up here in the for- group to see if they were do- est. When I’m here I have to try ing well. I learned that a good my best in the outdoors and in leader motivates, encourages, the classroom, because I need to helps, and has respect for the learn how to live outdoors and to group. I hope in the future I get good grades in class so I will can be a better leader for my have a better future. This summer I family and friends. pushed myself to get in shape and got healthy for my family. I don’t This summer I learned a new want to be the old me anymore - lifestyle, how to be more lazy at home and not caring at all responsible for myself, helpful about anyone, only me. ARC has to the group, to recycle be- made me want to keep helping my cause it cleans the earth, and family when I go home. My new how to be efficient in writ- schedule is to wake up early and ing. This experience will help help my Dad cook for the family when Another place I have had to push me to make a difference in my future, they wake up. The new me will go back myself is in English class, writing more because it helps me to be more inde- home and spend less time on the com- than the old lazy me usually did. The pendent as I grow up. My goal is to be puter and watching TV. I’ll try to read ARC instructors gave me an essay a good fisherman and a role model for more and interact more with my younger and poem to work on, and they really others. I wanted to be a fisherman my siblings. I learned to treat others the supported me by adding more details whole life. These ARC experiences help same way I want to be treated. The new and making my writing better. My first me to appreciate nature and take care of me will be more likeable in the future transformation in English class was it by cleaning trash that is in the water and will try to trust other people. ARC writing a poem because I had never so it won’t be polluted, and fish won’t has taught me that doing good things written a poem like this one before. have disease. Over here in ARC the to help others is important and that I Writing an essay was also difficult even instructors mostly teach me everything should be more responsible, especially though I have been writing essays my I want to learn this summer. My friends with my family. whole life. This essay was very hard from ARC have really helped me not get because it’s not just about some topic… homesick and have fun this summer. I I have learned to appreciate my family it’s about me. But I did it and the ex- don’t think I could have done it without more by being away from home for so perience will help me to know what to their support. ARC has made a big dif- long and hearing other students’ stories write next time. We also had to answer ference in my life by helping me become about their families. This change makes a question in English class about what a better person.

ARC Summer 2011 21 yessenia holguin

Changing Cloud

I’m a cloud that moves gently and slowly Hurtful arguments I hate Peaceful words I love

Problems with my family transform me From a fluffy white cloud Sweet, pretty and loving To a thunder storm Dark, nasty and crying

Getting hurt over and over Hot summer days in the afternoon My brother’s voice on the phone Words destroy me like harsh winds And leave me depressed, lost in a dark fog Saving feelings inside, not letting them out Then throwing hail and lightning bolts, Not caring what people think

Being kind to all races Without prejudice Loving all religions Just like a cloud that provides shade without discrimination

I’m a cloud that is looked up to For her intelligence and ambition Wanting to get a degree in criminal justice Family, friends and people admire me for My bravery, strength and courage

A degree is what I want to achieve I’m the cloud that needs help with her dreams People see what they want to see in the forms I make and shapes I take My shape is one of success

Attaining a life of beauty with happiness A secure future is my dream With a job that challenges me to brighten the sky

Drifting to the tallest peak Refusing to evaporate even if it’s stormy Enjoying new adventures even if they are hard I am a cloud who brightens the sky

22 ARC Summer 2011 Out With the Old, In With the New

Have you ever been alone for 24 hours in One value that grew inside of me was brav- would make her proud? I was still afraid the forest? Without any type of electronics? ery. I knew I was brave but I didn’t know but I kept going on and finished the ropes I have, with only a journal, a sleeping bag, how much. ARC has made me realize that course with happiness and a big smile in a little snack and the clothes on my back. I could always do whatever I put my mind my face. Have you ever been away from everything to. ARC and everyone here has taught me and everyone you love, spending the next that fear shouldn’t come in between you I also feel that I grew intellectually in the 40 days with 11 teenagers 24/7? I have, and and what you want. I would have never ARC program. I learned a lot about envi- 16 days out of the 40 I was in the back- ever thought of pushing myself to repel, ronmental protection, like not leaving trash country with them. The rest of the time we do ropes course, rock climb, or just even in the backcountry because animals can eat were going to a school in Wawona. Every to hike. One other thing that I would never it, get sick or get habituated to human food day, nonstop I had class, had to write in a have done by myself is train to run five and be unable to fend for themselves. How journal and learn science. To top it all off miles by running everyday in the morn- to be a strong leader was a focus here at I had to wake up at 6:15 a.m. everyday. ing. I value my bravery more than ever and ARC; I learned how get the whole group Before joining this program, when I got a I know that others do too because after together to do our jobs on time. How to letter telling me about all this and kayaking, the ropes course one of the profession- go backpacking in the back country was white water rafting, rock climbing, repelling als that was there went up to me, shook a skill I learned as well; I learned how to too, I told myself “let’s give it a try.” Little my hand and said smiling, “I admire you set up a shelter, how to look at a map to did I know that ARC know where you going, was going to give me the and how to arrange opportunity to appreciate my backpack to make my family, discover how everything fit. I can’t brave I could be and learn imagine that I could many new things. learn so many skills in a couple of days. All I always knew that my I had to do was focus family was really valuable and put my mind to it. for me but I discovered In addition, my writing just how much I need and improved tremen- love them at ARC. Before dously. I would have this program, I always never thought that I took them for granted could write a poem. It because I’m the only girl was tough for me to sit and I have gotten what I down and think about want, when I want ever what words to use to since I was born. My par- have it all make sense. ents are really loving and The good part was that if I ask them for some- I wrote my poem to the thing I get my way with best of my ability and I it, even if I don’t need love it. it. I never cared what my parents told me; I just This summer was the did whatever I wanted to do even if I knew for your bravery. I’ve never seen someone best summer ever. I learned new things that it was wrong. After this 40 day course, so afraid who kept going and still did the while I was having fun, with people that I learned that you shouldn’t take anyone for trapeze. You are a brave young lady.” When became like my family. I also had the op- granted because what are you going to do I started to climb up to do the ropes course portunity to appreciate my real family, and when they are not there next to you? I miss I felt like throwing up. I thought that I know how brave I am. I would have never my parents, I miss the food at my house, wasn’t going to be able to do it. I started to thought that I could have so much fun with I miss yelling at my brother, I miss every- panic and told myself that I wasn’t able to my new family for just 40 days. I wouldn’t thing. All I could say is that I love them do it. When I heard everyone cheering me trade this summer for anything. When I with all my heart. When I go back home I’m on I had this weird feeling inside. I wanted return back home I’m going to focus more going to remember how I felt while I was to keep going and to not let them down. on school, pay attention to my teachers and apart from them and I’m going to tell my I kept going and I finished the first part, parents, and do my best to apply everything mom, dad and little brother that I love them five elements 30 feet from the ground. that I learned at ARC to my everyday life. I all the time. I’m going to listen to what they After the first part my heart beat started appreciate ARC for giving me the oppor- say even if I get mad. I don’t know what I to accelerate. I didn’t know what to do. I tunity to get away from some things that I would do if they were not there next to me had mixed emotions. Then I asked myself thought were important, and end up real- to push me to do the best in life. what would my mom want me to do. What izing that they were not.

ARC Summer 2011 23 community Interviews On June 30th, halfway through our summer course, eleven community members volunteered their time to be mentors for our students. These are excerpts from the narrative biographies students wrote about their partners.

The Best Coach Today I woke up very nervous, wondering what the person I was going to in- terview would be like. When we got to the Wawona Hotel I saw a magical place that reminded me of the 18th century, its architecture and surroundings were breathtaking. We got in a circle and the ARC students started to talk about what our day would be like. The adults started to arrive around 10:00 a.m. and joined us. After playing a game to break the ice I was told the name of my interviewee. “Is he going to like me? What if he thinks my questions are stupid? What if I don’t know what to say after he asks me something?” These were some of the worries I had about my day.

Mickey Fearn is the name of the man I had the honor to interview. He had a very serious and intelligent look that intimidated me, but he also had love in his eyes. At first I thought “Oh my God! This man must be really stern and critical”. I told him I was nervous and he gave me more confidence when he said, “There’s no difference between you and me.” After a while I real- ized that he’s an awesome person and a good model for me. - Ana Hernendez

Flying Without Wings I interviewed Renee, a manager of her own business. When I looked at her, I felt like there was something in common between us. I didn’t know what. I just know that she was the same in age as my mom. She was really friendly and her voice was soft like my mother’s voice.

Renee’s parents emphasized the value of education. She learned a lot of things from them. From them she learned “to work hard, make my own life, create my own future.” She and her mother both loved to read books. When she felt bored and didn’t know what to do, her mother always said, “Go read a book.” Even now, she still reads when she has time. - Bao Huynh

All You Need is to Be Positive One of his challenges in life was when he went to college. He had a hard time in college because he was very lost and he didn’t know what to study. He then got inspired about nature and he decided to study Resources Management and Environmental Planning. The job is to manage places like Yosemite for the future generations. Then another challenge in his life was when he got Melanoma Can- cer. He survived from cancer and he asserts that “If you focus on being positive you live longer.” Now thanks to his positive and encouraging emotions he is a healthy man. A risk that he had to take in his life was when he got his first job in Alaska. He had to be away from home and work in a remote place. Although he had many happy adventures he also missed his family. - Benjamin Meza-Lemus

24 ARC Summer 2011 Jasmine Marquez Jasmine comes from Lake Tahoe a place with similar geography and land- scape to Yosemite. Jasmine says that her parents play a huge role in her life and they are the most influential people to her. She looks up to them because when her parents first came from Guadalajara, Mexico, her parents started from scratch, but now they own their own restaurant. It is truly amazing that their restaurant has survived the economic challenges the last couple of years. She loves her parents and her family including two little brothers and a little sister, making her the oldest.

Like many of the students at Interview Days she attends UC Merced, where she currently has major in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She studies science because she is amazed to know how organisms work; her religious beliefs did not change her love. After she finishes college she doesn’t know if she wants to become a doc- tor or get her masters in Biology and work for ARC. - Brenda Cardoza

One in a Million Marek told me that he has worked for the Fresno Bee as a reporter since 1998. He likes to write about subjects related to the outdoors, especially recreation. He lists activities in the newspaper that people might enjoy because he loves nature, and wants to share that with others. He also writes a weekly sports col- umn for the Sunday edition and covers the Grizzlies, a minor-league baseball team, during the summer. His job requires him to write about both adventures and tragedies. Sitting in an office and answering phone calls is annoying to him. Marek likes the fact that anything he writes goes directly into the following day’s paper; everything is immediate. He also told me that his number one fear is getting laid off. Since the newspaper business is hard to keep alive due to the Internet, television, and laziness, Marek stated that, “I’m the last of the Mohi- cans… What I mean is that I feel as if I’m the last one defending the fort.” I have always felt that I’m also the last of my kind. - Charly Mijares

Lessons from Moving Away Lindsey loves to work with young people because of their energies. She claimed that her favorite part of her job is: “Working with volunteers and especially young volunteers, I love it!” Later she also admitted about her least favorite part of her job: “It will be data entry and entering number in com- puter”. At that time, I stopped and think what I want to be in my future. I hoped no matter what I do in the future, I have to love my job and be good at it, just like Lindsey and her job. I wondered what a person who has to work with people and moving around like her does in her free time and what are her hobbies. Lindsey shared to me that she loves to hike and ex- plore new places, which she is doing, and sometime she feels like she is getting pay to go on vacation. Besides that, Lindsey also likes running, yoga, dinner with her friends, and fishing. - Huy Dao

ARC Summer 2011 25 Pursuit of Passion I was sitting on the lawn, next to the big Ponderosa tree. A lot of lichen fell on the ground around me. I felt like I was waiting under the green ocean and trying to find something to hide my heartbeat. People walked by and broke my daydream. All the adults were coming and interview was going to begin. I held my breath and came over to sit with her. She introduced herself as Cath- erine Connolly; she said she is a fund raising consultant. She dressed casually and smiled at me all the time. Her hair turned into white on top of her head. Maybe that is because she works very hard on her job, I thought. She shared her life experiences with me nicely and all my stress went away.

“My goal is to put my passion into my everyday life,” Catherine said confidently during the interview. She enjoys painting, drawing and other different types of art. Getting into college was one of the biggest challenges for her. She went to Universi- ty Of Pacific and majored in art. However, it was not easy for her because she needed to work to pay for college. Even though that was very difficult, she didn’t give up and still pursued her passion. - JiaJia Yu

Small Town Girl, City Boy I knew from the start that George McDonald and I led two very different lives. Actually, I thought we wouldn’t have anything in common. After all, how could a city boy and small town girl be anything alike? Although I was very skeptical, it didn’t take long for me to realize that we have a lot in com- mon when it comes to our views on life and goals. George believes in being true to oneself, always dreaming big, and being ambitious. “Go out and get what’s yours. Jump in the ocean and swim to it. Don’t stop, just go get it,” he encouraged me enthusiastically; “Don’t put boundaries on what you can do.” His own ambition is very inspiring. He isn’t afraid to fall, to take chances or be himself. His general attitude on life is ambitious and optimistic. His ability to step up courageously is both awe-inspiring and contagious. George McDonald truly knows what it means to believe. - Marcela Avina

Our Lives Charles inspired me to do well in school and not to act out just because someone in my family gets hurt, He encouraged me to help who ever if is hurt. Charles also told me to believe in myself and never give up on my dreams. My dream is to finish high school with good grades so I can go to UTI (University Technical Institute). I want to go there because I’m interested in diesel mechanics. When I was a little boy my dad would take me with him to work to help him with his diesel truck. I felt very excited to be around those big trucks. I’m hoping this job will make me feel good and give me a good life. If it wasn’t for ARC I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream, and because of ARC I was able to relate my life with a stranger that I never knew. I found out that he had a similar life to mine. - Oscar Avina

26 ARC Summer 2011 Meeting New People The biggest challenge for Kathy has been moving away from home to go to college. “I never thought of moving away from my friends and family,” she said. When she was at school and maturing, she learned a lot of new things and had new experi- ences. Kathy overcame this challenge by persevering and never giving up. Kathy learned that family can be whoever is close or around you.

After interviewing Kathy Murphy I feel great, no more shyness, more talkative, and comfortable being around her. Kathy is a very nice person who is very kind, calm, and respectful. Her advice for me is to not give up on my life, always do the right thing, never stop learning, have good core friends, and be help- ful to others. - Xiong Vue

Preparing for the Future “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of good.” That’s what Kristine Zeigler lives by. It’s fine to not be perfect all the time, trying your best is enough. That’s the advice that I got from Kristine in the ARC interview.

Kristine came from a humble beginning and always loved school. She grew up in a little town called Bishop with one younger sister. Her parents didn’t attend college and had little money, but they always wanted the best for her and her sister. Her mom stayed home, and her dad worked in construction. Kristine and her sister loved school, even though they moved and changed schools often. Their favorite subjects were reading and math. Kristine didn’t have a stable school until she got to El Capitan High School in San Diego. Her parents stopped moving, and she went to that school all four years consecutively. El Capitan had the biggest agriculture program “and rodeo too,” she exclaimed. - Yessenia Holguin

ARC Summer 2011 27 Dear Parents, Thank you for letting us comes to the forty day course. We really appreciate you. Our biggest challenge has been staying away from you guys and the things you have provided for us in life. Throughout the forty days we have learned to appreciate you more. Now we realized that all your hard work is to give us the chance to have a better life. We also want to thank you for taking care of us. We appreciate your support and confidence in us. Thank you for showing us that you care for us by sending us letters. There are not enough words to describe your love for us. Every time we are facing a challenge we think about what you have taught us and that give us the strength to get through the challenges we have faced. Thank you for being our wonderful parents.

Para nuestros queridos padres: Gracias por darnos la oportunidad de asistir a los cuarenta días. Los apreciamos mucho. Nuestro reto más grande ha sido estar lejos de ustedes y las cosas que nos han provenido. Durante los cuarenta días hemos aprendido a apreciarlos más. Nos dimos cuenta de que todo el esfuerzo que ustedes hacen para que nosotros podamos tener una mejor vida. También queremos agradecerles el cuidado que nos han dado. Apreciamos el apoyo y confianza que tienen en nosotros. Gracias por demostrarnos que les importamos por medio de las cartas que hemos recibido. No hay palabras suficientes para describir el cariño que nos tienen. Cada vez que enfrentamos un reto, pensamos en todo lo que ustedes nos han ensenado y eso nos da la fuerza para superarlos. Gracias por ser unos padres extraordinarios, los amamos.

Ba mẹ thân mến, Chúng con cảm ỏn ba mẹ vì đã đế chúng con tham gia chuong trình 40 ngày này. Chúng con rẩt biểt ỏn ba mẹ. Thủ thách lón nhất mà chúng con phải trải qua là xa gia đình một thòi gian dài và tất cả nhũng gì ba mẹ đã trao cho chung con trong cuộc sồng. Ba mẹ đã làm việc vẩt vả để nuôu nầng chùng con nên nguoì. Cám on ba mẹ vì đã động viên chúng con. Nhận đuọc thu của ba mẹ , chung con cảm tháy vui lám. Mỗi khi chúng con đối mạt vói khó khan, chúng con nhó lại nhũng gì ba mẹ đã dạy vả nhũng điều đó đã giúp chúng con vuọc qua thủ thách. Chúng con cảm tháy hạnh phúc vì có ba mẹ trong cuọc sóng. Chúng con yeu ba mẹ rát nhiều.

亲爱的父母： 感谢你们给我们这个机会来参加这个40天的课程。 我们最大的挑战是离开你们和你们给我珍贵的教导。在这个40天的课程 中，我们学会了如何去感谢你。现在我们体会到，你辛勤地工作就是想给我们一个美好的未来。同时，我们想感谢你们对我 无微不至的照顾，你们对我们无限的支持和信心。感谢你们寄信到这里，用行动来表示你们对我的爱。我们找不到更多的话 语来形容你对我们的爱。每一次当我们面对挑战时，我们都会想到你教导我的东西，所以到最后我们都会成功。最后，感谢 你们成为我们的好榜样，好父母。

The Adventure Risk Challenge Program staff and students would like to thank the following foundations, organizations, businesses, and individuals for their generous support: Yosemite Conservancy, Stewardship Council, Michelle Stauffer & the Wawona Elementary School, Eric Berlow & the Sierra Nevada Research Institute, UC Merced & the Yosemite Leadership Program, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park Service Branch of Education, Merced County Office of Education, Boys & Girls Club of Merced County, Heather Ruiz, Susan Galindo and the staff of Dos Palos High School, Atwater High School, Dos Palos - Ora Loma Joint Unified School District, Merced Union High School District, Zephyr Rafting, Emerald Cove Camp, Bay Area Wilderness Training, Summit Adventure, Calvin Crest Camp, Don Neubacher, Shauna Potocky, Jesse Chakrin, Chris Raines, Martijn Ouborg, Amy Seidman, Belinda Braunstein, Tabatha Brogden, Jesus Angel-Delores, Derek Hamblin, the 2011 Interview Day participants, and everyone at UC Berkeley and UC Merced.

Without all of you, this extraordinary program would not be possible!